According to Entertainment Weekly, Fox is hesitant to green light the planned "Alien" prequel unless Ridley Scott directs the film himself. Scott, of course, is the originator of the franchise, having helmed the very first installment in the series. Fox has long expressed their support of the director's return to the "Alien" universe, and while his role as a producer on the prequel certainly is a return, it's apparently not good enough for the studio.

Complicating things further is Rinsch himself, the commercial director who Scott has tapped to take on this latest "Alien" project. Entertainment Weekly notes that Rinsch's commercial advertisements "for German electronics company Saturn are known for their futuristic flourishes," which definitely jives with the space-bound tone of an "Alien" film -- but is Rinsch being selected for his capabilities, or for his familial connections?

"Rinsch's selection is complicated by the rumor that he's romantically involved with Scott's daughter, Jordan, also a commercial helmer," notes the article. "Reps for both Jordan Scott and Rinsch did not respond to calls to confirm."

Just what family are we talking about here? If you ask us, Rinsch's attachment to Ridley's daughter seems irrelevant to the equation -- assuming, of course, that Ridley truly thinks Rinsch is the right filmmaker for the job regardless of his romantic relationship.

Still, the fact that there are troubles filling the director's seat this early in the process could put the "Alien" franchise on the endangered species list before it even gets a chance to hatch another egg. Depending on where you're sitting "Alien" fans, that could be good or bad news.

Who do you think should direct the next "Alien" installment? Should there even be a next "Alien" installment?